Alexis Akwagyiram
@alexisak.bsky.social
Managing Editor, Semafor Africa. Previously: FT, Reuters Nigeria bureau chief, BBC. Ghanaian family, British accent. https://www.semafor.com/author/alexis-akwagyiram
Analysis: How Nigeria's security emergency has presented President Tinubu with his biggest crisis since taking office two years ago, and why his remedy combines police reinforcements and diplomacy. www.semafor.com/article/11/2... by me and Alexander Onukwue for @Semafor
Nigeria declares security emergency and names diplomats amid US tensions
The moves come after Washington threatened Abuja with sanctions over the treatment of the country’s Christians.
www.semafor.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Analysis: How Nigeria's security emergency has presented President Tinubu with his biggest crisis since taking office two years ago, and why his remedy combines police reinforcements and diplomacy. www.semafor.com/article/11/2... by me and Alexander Onukwue for @Semafor
"The summit declaration was a critical win, but the story is not over." Great
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
View: South Africa, the G20, and the new US presidency
The absence of the US at the G20 summit could threaten the future of Africa’s global voice, argues a development expert.
www.semafor.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
"The summit declaration was a critical win, but the story is not over." Great
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
"The most frustrating statistic in African geoeconomics is the claim that the continent has 30% of the world’s mineral reserves," writes Bright Simons in this brilliantly insightful @SemaforAfrica column. www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
View: The fallacy that unites Trump’s strategists and pan-Africanist champions
Africa has less of the world’s share of critical minerals than many seem to think.
www.semafor.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"The most frustrating statistic in African geoeconomics is the claim that the continent has 30% of the world’s mineral reserves," writes Bright Simons in this brilliantly insightful @SemaforAfrica column. www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
A chart showing recommended minerals prioritization for mining in Africa, based on their benefits continent-wide. (View: The fallacy that unites Trump’s strategists and pan-Africanist champions) www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
November 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A chart showing recommended minerals prioritization for mining in Africa, based on their benefits continent-wide. (View: The fallacy that unites Trump’s strategists and pan-Africanist champions) www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
My view: Why Ethiopia’s COP32 success offers a climate opportunity for Africa and what South Africa's G20 build up teaches us. www.semafor.com/article/11/1... — via @SemaforAfrica
View: Ethiopia’s COP32 success offers opportunity for Africa
The country looks set to stage the UN climate summit in 2027, the first sub-Saharan African host since 2011.
www.semafor.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
My view: Why Ethiopia’s COP32 success offers a climate opportunity for Africa and what South Africa's G20 build up teaches us. www.semafor.com/article/11/1... — via @SemaforAfrica
DR Congo suspended a major Chinese-owned copper and cobalt operation after a dam collapse spilled contaminated water into the country’s second-largest city. Elisha Iragi reported this @Semafor story about mining, EV batteries and pollution. www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
DR Congo suspends Chinese cobalt miner after chemical spill
Hundreds of Lubumbashi homes flooded with contaminated water in latest mining accident.
www.semafor.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:53 AM
DR Congo suspended a major Chinese-owned copper and cobalt operation after a dam collapse spilled contaminated water into the country’s second-largest city. Elisha Iragi reported this @Semafor story about mining, EV batteries and pollution. www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
"Sovereignty... means little in practice if the fundamental responsibility of a government to secure the lives and property of its citizens is not met." @MoghaluKingsley looks Trump's "guns-a-blazing" wake up call for Nigeria in this @Semafor column. www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
View: Trump’s threat to Nigeria is a wake-up call
Abuja must realize that the security and prosperity of Nigerians are the most important indicators of progress.
www.semafor.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:42 PM
"Sovereignty... means little in practice if the fundamental responsibility of a government to secure the lives and property of its citizens is not met." @MoghaluKingsley looks Trump's "guns-a-blazing" wake up call for Nigeria in this @Semafor column. www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
African banks need to take the lead in more effectively organizing and deploying the continent’s capital for investments that will boost growth, say top bank execs. www.semafor.com/article/11/0... — via @Semafor
November 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
African banks need to take the lead in more effectively organizing and deploying the continent’s capital for investments that will boost growth, say top bank execs. www.semafor.com/article/11/0... — via @Semafor
Nearly half of the world’s 50 most economically unequal countries are in Africa, finds a new report on global inequality led by the Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
November 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Nearly half of the world’s 50 most economically unequal countries are in Africa, finds a new report on global inequality led by the Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
Election violence in Tanzania that opposition groups say left hundreds dead is damaging investors’ confidence in East Africa and hampering regional trade, Kenya’s trade minister, tells @Semafor in an exclusive interview. www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
Kenya sounds alarm as Tanzania unrest hits regional trade
Nairobi’s trade minister warns electoral violence is damaging investor confidence.
www.semafor.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Election violence in Tanzania that opposition groups say left hundreds dead is damaging investors’ confidence in East Africa and hampering regional trade, Kenya’s trade minister, tells @Semafor in an exclusive interview. www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
Nigeria’s lack of senior diplomatic presence in Washington and an absence of lobbyist support has left it vulnerable to President Trump’s threat of military action over alleged Christian persecution. www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
Nigeria scrambles for US influence without ambassador or lobbyists
Filings seen by Semafor show a separatist group in Nigeria has outspent Abuja in the Washington lobby.
www.semafor.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Nigeria’s lack of senior diplomatic presence in Washington and an absence of lobbyist support has left it vulnerable to President Trump’s threat of military action over alleged Christian persecution. www.semafor.com/article/11/0...
Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, will contest Cameroon's election on Sunday at the age of 92. He's been in power for more than 40 years. Here's my Semafor column on the problems caused by African leaders remaining in officer for decades. www.semafor.com/article/10/1...
The dangers of African leaders clinging to power
Cameroon’s president, seeking re-election after 43 years in power, is not an outlier among the continent’s leaders.
www.semafor.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, will contest Cameroon's election on Sunday at the age of 92. He's been in power for more than 40 years. Here's my Semafor column on the problems caused by African leaders remaining in officer for decades. www.semafor.com/article/10/1...
Senegal is grappling with a debt crisis. Now a rift between the president and prime minister threatens the government's handling of the economy, reports Joël Té-Léssia Assoko
for @Semafor www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
for @Semafor www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
July 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Senegal is grappling with a debt crisis. Now a rift between the president and prime minister threatens the government's handling of the economy, reports Joël Té-Léssia Assoko
for @Semafor www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
for @Semafor www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
Africa topped China’s Belt and Road investments in the first half of 2025, reaching $39 billion, according to a new report. www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
July 23, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Africa topped China’s Belt and Road investments in the first half of 2025, reaching $39 billion, according to a new report. www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
Four African billionaires are now richer than 750 million of the continent’s population combined. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, South Africans Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer, and Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris control a combined $57.4bn. www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
July 22, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Four African billionaires are now richer than 750 million of the continent’s population combined. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, South Africans Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer, and Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris control a combined $57.4bn. www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
"Kenya’s effort at fiscal consolidation to reduce deficits and debt levels will become a casualty to the need for bigger budgets to placate both elites and voters." Ken Opalo lays out the challenges faced by President Ruto in a @Semafor's #OneBigIdea column www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
July 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
"Kenya’s effort at fiscal consolidation to reduce deficits and debt levels will become a casualty to the need for bigger budgets to placate both elites and voters." Ken Opalo lays out the challenges faced by President Ruto in a @Semafor's #OneBigIdea column www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
Why did Ghana’s central bank announce an "emergency" meeting, only to avoid announcing policy decisions? Nana Oye Ankrah and I report on the uncertainty stoked by the move, and why many had expected a rate cut. www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
July 21, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Why did Ghana’s central bank announce an "emergency" meeting, only to avoid announcing policy decisions? Nana Oye Ankrah and I report on the uncertainty stoked by the move, and why many had expected a rate cut. www.semafor.com/article/07/2...
"Lagos’s lack of free beaches illustrates the way in which the city continues to squeeze its poorer residents." This, by Aanu Adeoye, is a brilliant piece looking at how privatisation has led to the neglect of public services in Nigeria. on.ft.com/4lDdq2o
Lagos is surrounded by water — so where are all the beaches?
Lack of free access illustrates the way in which the city is squeezing its poorest residents
on.ft.com
July 16, 2025 at 6:35 AM
"Lagos’s lack of free beaches illustrates the way in which the city continues to squeeze its poorer residents." This, by Aanu Adeoye, is a brilliant piece looking at how privatisation has led to the neglect of public services in Nigeria. on.ft.com/4lDdq2o
"Emerging markets, like those in Africa, should pay attention. Local-currency stablecoins, backed by short-term government debt, could offer a vital tool for monetary resilience." Wale Ayeni's @Semafor column making the case for stablecoins in Africa www.semafor.com/article/07/1...
Why Africa’s emerging markets need their own stablecoins
They offer an alternative to the outdated compliance regulations of major banks that lock African economies out of global finance.
www.semafor.com
July 15, 2025 at 10:02 PM
"Emerging markets, like those in Africa, should pay attention. Local-currency stablecoins, backed by short-term government debt, could offer a vital tool for monetary resilience." Wale Ayeni's @Semafor column making the case for stablecoins in Africa www.semafor.com/article/07/1...
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who came to power 43 years ago and scrapped term limits in 2008, will seek an eighth term in October’s elections. www.semafor.com/article/07/1... — via @Semafor
July 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who came to power 43 years ago and scrapped term limits in 2008, will seek an eighth term in October’s elections. www.semafor.com/article/07/1... — via @Semafor
The Trump administration has slashed visa stays for Nigerians. A three-month visa will only allow single entry to the US. Previously, a multiple entry visa would allow Nigerians to stay in the US for up to six months. www.semafor.com/article/07/0... — via @Semafor
July 9, 2025 at 10:12 AM
The Trump administration has slashed visa stays for Nigerians. A three-month visa will only allow single entry to the US. Previously, a multiple entry visa would allow Nigerians to stay in the US for up to six months. www.semafor.com/article/07/0... — via @Semafor
Medicine to treat babies suffering from malaria is approved for the first time and is expected to be rolled out in Africa within weeks, with the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. www.semafor.com/article/07/0... — via @Semafor
July 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Medicine to treat babies suffering from malaria is approved for the first time and is expected to be rolled out in Africa within weeks, with the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. www.semafor.com/article/07/0... — via @Semafor
Air travel passengers pay more in taxes to fly from Africa than counterparts departing from Europe or the Middle East, a report by the African Airlines Association shows. www.semafor.com/article/07/0...
July 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Air travel passengers pay more in taxes to fly from Africa than counterparts departing from Europe or the Middle East, a report by the African Airlines Association shows. www.semafor.com/article/07/0...
Ratings agency Moody’s downgraded Afreximbank closer to junk status, saying that the bank’s “unsecured lending to sovereigns under stress has introduced significant risks.” It comes weeks after the lender was downgraded by Fitch. www.semafor.com/article/07/0...
Afreximbank’s rating downgraded again
The decision by ratings agency Moody’s follows a downgrade by Fitch last month, pushing the development bank closer to junk status.
www.semafor.com
July 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Ratings agency Moody’s downgraded Afreximbank closer to junk status, saying that the bank’s “unsecured lending to sovereigns under stress has introduced significant risks.” It comes weeks after the lender was downgraded by Fitch. www.semafor.com/article/07/0...
A new blockchain-based currency exchange for trading local currencies is launched in a bid to make it easier for companies to repatriate their profits from African countries and reduce the continent’s dependence on the dollar in regional trade. www.semafor.com/article/06/2...
African blockchain currency exchange aims to break dollar dominance
The aim is to make it easier for companies to repatriate their profits.
www.semafor.com
June 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A new blockchain-based currency exchange for trading local currencies is launched in a bid to make it easier for companies to repatriate their profits from African countries and reduce the continent’s dependence on the dollar in regional trade. www.semafor.com/article/06/2...